And..... On to Fornice

Oct 25, 2025 11:44 pm

Looking at the boards, Tharrok says, "Hey Boss, if that military load is still available, then we should grab it if there is enough delivery time on it after we tear down the J-Drive and power plant."

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 27, 2025 1:01 am

And..... On to Fornice

LC Rains — Bridge / En Route to Downport 2-A — May 28, 1115, 14:30

LC leans back in his chair, one hand rubbing the bridge of his nose as Tharrok’s update on the merchant boards scrolls across the display. The words "special cargo" and "Imperium Military" hang there like a bad smell in an airlock.

"Military load, you say? I suppose we could take it — assuming we develop a sudden appetite for red tape, late payments, and the occasional Imperial audit. Oh, and assuming we had a functioning jump drive. Minor detail."

He taps the display with his stylus, frowning as if the numbers might rearrange themselves into something less annoying.

"Tempting as it is to line our holds with government-issue containers, I’d rather not commit to a three-jump haul until we’re sure our trispacial controller isn’t going to explode the first time we ask it to hold a waveform. Let’s make sure we can jump before we sell anyone the privilege of depending on us to do so."

He swivels toward Tharrok with that wry half-smile that usually precedes bad news delivered politely.

"Step one — we find a suitable controller. Preferably one that hasn’t been ‘lightly used’ by some backwater tech who swears it’s ‘just like new’. Step two — we make sure it doesn’t cost us more than our annual maintenance budget and half the ship’s dignity. Step three — we get it installed and certified before I have to start taking cargo on promises and prayers."

He glances over the system status feed, the orbit slowly stabilizing as the Miss Fortune coasts toward Port‑au‑Prince.

"In the meantime, we’ve got a schedule to keep. Passengers off first, nice and calm. Then the Count’s cargo — handled directly through his medical staff, per our arrangements. No intermediaries, no dockside gossip, and absolutely no opening those containers for a peek, no matter how curious anyone gets."

LC pushes off the console, stretching as he moves to the corridor hatch. He pauses just before stepping out.

"I’ll stop by the LeFrontaines’ stateroom in a bit — see what Mr. LeFrontaine wants to discuss. A quiet word, face-to-face. Unscheduled. Makes it harder to rehearse the polite lies."

playbydave says:

Theodore LeFrontaine comms LC soon after emergence. "Myself and Adriana would like to depart as soon as possible after arrival. And before then I'd like to meet with you once again. Thank you for your courtesy and discretion."

He throws a look back at Tharrok.

"Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about nobles and military contracts, it’s that they both have a remarkable way of making other people’s problems sound like opportunities."

He gestures toward the comms panel.

"Keep an ear on the boards, though. No harm in listening. Just… don’t promise them our souls until we’ve fixed the engine that gets us there."

LC goes to his stateroom and pulls out a new fresh shirt out of his closet, opens the storage bag and puts it on. He puts the worn, smelling shirt in the laundry container that makes a whirring sound as it take the old shirt and processes it. Only who knows where until it is needed again all fresh and pressed.
He looks in the mirror, runs his fingers through his hair confirming he is presentable and proceeds out his cabin. He head up to the passenger deck. Not seeing 'Terry' in the lounge he make his was to the LeFrontaine stateroom

He brings up his hand terminal and with a hand gesture signals the Frontaine room

"Terry, you wanted to have a chat."

LC then goes into the room with a smile on his face hiding any fear of finding the place a mess or the LeFrontaine couple in some sort of compromising situation - afterall it is only six hours until docking, they should be getting ready to disembark....

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 27, 2025 2:03 am

And..... On to Fornice

Tharrok nods. "My bad, I should have been more accurate in my thoughts, Cap’n. I meant if it’s still available when we get the ship back to right. I was looking at the payment offered and the route and I think it looks pretty good.". He licks his lips. "Plus, nothing says I’m not doing anything illegal like hauling some government work. Odds are pretty good we could even pick up some cargo of grey legality to go along side… But I get what you’re saying."

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 27, 2025 3:40 am

And..... On to Fornice

LC leans against the bulkhead, arms crossed, an eyebrow slightly raised as he listens to Tharrok's amended thoughts.

"Yes, I understand, but my thoughts on Imperial military cargo is that is not my cup of Kaffe. But your idea on 'grey' cargo"

He nods thoughtfully, the faintest trace of a grin curling at the edge of his mouth.

"I don’t hate it. Once the jump drive’s singing again and the dust settles, we’ll take a hard look at the schedules and see if we can sweeten the ledger a bit. Just make sure whatever you’re eyeing isn’t the kind of gray that turns red under a spotlight."

He claps Tharrok on the shoulder.

"I’ll handle the nobles and their allergic reactions to sunlight. You keep an ear out for cargo with character."

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 27, 2025 7:02 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Quote:

"Miss Fortune, this is Trader "Countdown Timer", inbound. You hear of any good trade opportunities, folks? Our first time here. We see on your 'ping' that this is your home port. Maybe you have some advice for we noobs? Any break we might get would be welcome! Our treat at that new Tavern that seems to be the 'talk'!"

Kayla traces the broadcast and pings the ship back, getting the information: "Countdown Timer", home port of Fosey/Mora. 200 dTon variant of the 'Salamander Class'.

Packratt66 says:

Tharrok replies to "Countdown Timer". "Countdown Timer, this is Miss Fortune. Fornice ain’t no Mora, but there are good loads and options to be had here. Certainly wouldn’t mind chatting about it, but we are headed dirt-side. Have an appointment we can’t miss. But some of our crew may pop up to the Highport to check out that new tavern. Drop your contact info and we’ll give ya a call when we head up."

"Miss Fortune. Thanks for responding."

"This here is Isthor, Navigator and 'Finance Officer' of the "Countdown Timer"

"We're inbound from Grille after a contract-haul; not much profit. We picked up a partial load of Palladium and Gold there; should make up for the crappy contract. Once we sell that lot...well I guess it's 'tech' and consumer electronics we'd be looking at? Sound right to you? Any leads on off-the-board sellers?"

Leilani Nekaii

TiffanyKorta Inactive for 23 days

Oct 29, 2025 8:00 am

And..... On to Fornice

Whilst Leilani enjoyed her time on the bridge, her true love was the engine room. After the drama of the last few days, she'd been nursing the reactor to make sure things were ticking along.

"Don't worry baby, we'll make you all better!" she gently patted the reactor

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 30, 2025 12:56 am

And..... On to Fornice

playbydave says:

(snip)"This here is Isthor, Navigator and 'Finance Officer' of the "Countdown Timer"

"We're inbound from Grille after a contract-haul; not much profit. We picked up a partial load of Palladium and Gold there; should make up for the crappy contract. Once we sell that lot...well I guess it's 'tech' and consumer electronics we'd be looking at? Sound right to you? Any leads on off-the-board sellers?"

OOC:

This is for Tharrok to respond, as LC is at the moment entering the Lefrotaine stateroom

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 30, 2025 2:24 am

And..... On to Fornice

Muns says:

playbydave says:

(snip)"This here is Isthor, Navigator and 'Finance Officer' of the "Countdown Timer"

"We're inbound from Grille after a contract-haul; not much profit. We picked up a partial load of Palladium and Gold there; should make up for the crappy contract. Once we sell that lot...well I guess it's 'tech' and consumer electronics we'd be looking at? Sound right to you? Any leads on off-the-board sellers?"

OOC:

This is for Tharrok to respond, as LC is at the moment entering the Lefrotaine stateroom

OOC:

Which I should get done tomorrow…

Last edited October 30, 2025 2:25 am

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 30, 2025 2:32 am

And..... On to Fornice

Packratt66 says:

OOC:

Which I should get done tomorrow…

OOC:

No worries!! I just didn't want anyone to think they were waiting on my character to say something

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 31, 2025 2:13 am

And..... On to Fornice

Monseur 'Terry' LeFrontaine has gotten Captain Rains to an apparently secure and private spot for a conversation.

Quote:

We're a few hours out from Fornice still. But I figure I'd better trust you with some bits and pieces of.... Of our story. Truth, best as I can manage anyway.

You've probably heard of 'The Psionics Institute'. Zhodani sympathizers or worse... Or just maybe a few folks trying to make sure those who got the 'talent' aren't persucuted or enslaved because of it.

The Imperium officially says that Psions are protected, and will shelter and educate them. Make them into an asset and not a potential problem. Yeah, that's right as far as it goes. The reality is that once you're in their clutches they don't let go. You do the Emporer's bidding, and only the Emporer's, or you simply disappear.

I'm one of those who think the Imperium's system is equal to slavery. I'm no Psion myself..., well maybe just a little. But Adriana, as you've seen, has a huge potential and nearly unprecedented power. Untrained she is a hazard to herself and maybe to others. But if the Imperium gets her; then whatever happens after that none of us will ever know.

I'm trying to get her to a safe house in Port-au-Prince. From there our people will get her into one of the institute schools. I can't say where, of course. I don't know anyway. I'm just a shepherd.

But, if any wind of this episode here gets out. Any hint at all and the Imperium will have agents all over you. And maybe..., if anyone back on Mora had some suspicion; well the Security Apparatus will come calling. Hopefully not until we're well clear. But you might still get a grilling. And worse, you might get 'examined' by an Imperium Psion. I don't know how you'd keep this quiet then. I'm sorry.

I'll make sure to leave you a big 'tip'. But I can't give you so many credits that it would be suspicious. Sorry.

Help us get off quick as possible without raising eyebrows. Luckily the other passengers want off fast, too, so we'll blend in.

My only advice to you is to get off from Fornice as soon as you can. Scuttlebutt hints at a long maintenance stay. I'd skip that unless you really can't get spaceworthy otherwise. But the longer you're at Fornice the more likely the Imperium will come calling.

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 3:15 am

And..... On to Fornice

playbydave says:

Monseur 'Terry' LeFrontaine has gotten Captain Rains to an apparently secure and private spot for a conversation.

As Mr. LeFrontaine begins ... LC raises a hand — palm open, not harsh, but firm.
"Hold that thought."

OOC:

OOC Questions:

Timing and Availability: How long does the port estimate for sourcing and replacing the trispacial controller? (I can pose this question in character)
Can it be expedited at Downport 2-A? (Same here, I will pose this in character) Just need to know in the last few years of travel int he spinward marches does LC have an idea of the availability of a trispacial controller?

Cost Factors: Can we confirm the cost range for a new trispacial controller? Is it bundled with our yearly+ maintenance cost or separate? (I can pose this question in character)

Security Risk Window: Given the psionic incident, how long before word might get out or the Imperium might take an interest? Is there a roll or check to determine if we’re currently under scrutiny? Having a bit of inside baseball knowledge on port authority information to shape the roll as a modifier? or just INT?

Tip Delivery Mechanics: Should the "tip" from Terry be handled via a narrative method (e.g., unmarked payment or gift item) or involve a specific credit transfer?

BIC Questions to Consider (with the GM or other PCs):

LC on comms to Tamm, Leilani and Bronz: "How fast can we realistically swap that controller and confirm system integrity? Need a ball park answer"

LC will get on the comms once back at the bridge (nod to Tharrok once LC gets to the bridge)
To Starport Control: "How soon can I get a certified trispacial controller, ours broke in the last jump and we need to turn a burn like all Free Traders perform?"

To Smugg (once contact is established): "Any clean, no-questions-asked sources for drive parts in this port — or should I be worried about black-market trackers?"

Bronz Bautista

dabaggins Inactive for 19 days

Oct 31, 2025 4:26 am

And..... On to Fornice

Bronz grimaced inwardly at LC’s question but kept it off his face. He keyed the comm, voice flat and steady.

"You want it done fast, or you want it done right?"

He glanced toward Tamm, hoping he’d be the one to put an actual number to it. Bronz wasn’t happy with the corners they were already going to have to cut, but he knew they had a business to run.

He just didn’t have to be happy about it.

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:02 pm

And..... On to Fornice

dabaggins says:

"You want it done fast, or you want it done right?"

LC on comms:

"Bronz, if I only wanted it fast, I’d duct-tape the drive casing, paint a smiley face on the reactor, and call it a day. And if I only wanted it right, I’d hand over the keys and wait six weeks while engineers sipped kaffe and wrote poetry about diagnostic curves.

But I need both: the reality check and the clock. How long for a good-enough job that won’t have us waking up inside out on the next jump...and how long for a done right and tested Job? I trust you, Tamm and Leilani to give me the data — just tell me where it is so I can plan the rest of the circus."

LC thinks for a moment looks at Tharrok with a raised arch eyebrow

"Tharrok, do you have anything to add?"

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:05 pm

And..... On to Fornice

LC looks at Tharrok again after a few minutes when the thought strick LC

"Tharrok, can you guess why the port is so busy? Is there a party going on that we don't know about?"

Last edited October 31, 2025 8:27 pm

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:07 pm

And..... On to Fornice

LloganTamm says:

Inner dialogue {snip} twice but... . Maybe the Captain is a Zho sympathizer?

At least she’d be off the ship in a few hours.

OOC:

I meant to say this last week - that was great inner dialog!!!

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:27 pm

And..... On to Fornice

playbydave says:

All of the Engineering Team know that a yearly maintenance normally takes 2 weeks and would cost about 50,000cr. The work you have tentatively planned is like a Yearly Maintenance on steroids, thus should cost more, so you might be looking at 75,000cr or more. And 3 weeks for a non-standard 'work order' might be shaving it pretty close. You could pay even more for expedited service. At the relatively small facility of "Ground Port 2A (Port-au-Prince)" you might find it a bit easier if the port isn't overly busy..., but that's kind of a crap shoot! Replacing the damaged "Trispacial Controller" shouldn't add a significant amount to either time or cost.

OOC:

This assumes that we roll in the trispace controller into a year maintenance, right? or wrong? Does the replacement cost less in time and funding than annual maintenance?

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:48 pm

And..... On to Fornice

LC Rains – Crew Briefing, Two Hours Before Orbit – May 28, 1115

The crew gathers in the main common area — boots clunking on the deck plating, the faint hum of the ship in the background. LC stands at the head of the table, arms folded, expression unreadable. He scans the room once before speaking.

"Alright. Two hours to orbit. I’ll make this quick."

"I had a word with Terry LeFrontaine. Turns out our little brush with digital death had a side dish of psionics. He and his wife are part of something that doesn’t play well with Imperium scrutiny."

"They’re leaving quietly once we dock, where they go... I don't care and I don't want to know either. I promised them no loose threads from our end. Which means this crew stays tight-lipped. No speculation, no second-hand gossip, no jokes in the tavern about mind powers or mysterious comas. You say nothing, and nothing can be held against us."

He leans forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough.

"I believe I don't have to say this, if Imperial agents get wind of this, we don’t just get questions — we get psi scans, strip-searched logs, and the kind of attention that kills licenses and careers. So if anyone asks, this was a power fluctuation and a sick passenger. That’s it."

"Which brings us to engineering."
He nods to Tamm, Leilani and Bronz.
"This is why I am changing our maintenance plan from a full annual maintenance to just replacing the trispacial controller and running a fast systems sweep. Unless you have better ideas or plan. I want us spaceworthy and outbound before anyone in a grey uniform has time to read a manifest."

he looks at the three engineers
"Honestly this is where I need your input, if this is a fucked up plan and you need more time, then I need to know."

He straightens, arms crossed again, eyes sweeping the room.

"That’s the situation. Nothing fancy, nothing fragile. Drop off our special cargo to the Santanocheev Medical facility, unload clean cargo, get the ship patched, reload if we can, and we’re ghosts. Any questions?"

He lets the silence settle for a beat before giving a final nod.

"Feedback? Opinions, Questions?"

Llogan Tamm

LloganTamm Inactive for 19 days

Nov 1, 2025 2:26 am

And..... On to Fornice

"Tamm has set aside funds for emergencies, and we’re in one now. Unless the tri-spatial unit is replaced, we’re facing a major setback. Tamm is willing to loan the crew the necessary Credits for fast service. The next steps are to secure the new tri-spatial unit and either persuade the port to expedite installation and calibration or have our engineering team handle the calibration and testing internally. It should take no more than two weeks.

What are your thoughts?"

Leilani Nekaii

TiffanyKorta Inactive for 23 days

Nov 1, 2025 12:42 pm

And..... On to Fornice

"To be honest, Cap' we got lucky, and you know what they say about crews that push their luck!" as the old Solomani saying went, when you relied on Lady Luck, she'd abandon you in a second.

"We can pull double shifts, rope people in to help out, but its going to cost us either spending for parts quickly rather than bargin hunting, or lost cargo with everyone being busy."

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Nov 1, 2025 1:45 pm

And..... On to Fornice

To Leilani
"Great point on cutting corners and using cheap unrefined fuel doesn't help either "

LC replies
"We will have to raise our standards on fuel and accounting"

Looking at Tamm,
"Thank you big guy, but let us see how bad the butchers bill is before you start pulling out your credit stick. "

LC thinks for a moment and then adds
"Thank you Tamm it is appreciated "

Looking at Bronz
"Okay Sir Grumpy do you have any input?"

Last edited November 1, 2025 1:46 pm

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